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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

going to salt water

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jnhiggins
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/03/2011 : 10:14:31

Hello all. I've been sailing my 250 wb (hull no. 167) on Lake Erie for the past 12 years. Now I'm considering taking my boat to Florida, where I currently spend winters. I'd appreciate any general advice on:

1. Finding a marina in the Tampa/St. Pete area.
2. What to keep in mind in making the transition from fresh to salt water.

Thanks in advance?

James V. Higgins

Edited by - on

Tradewind
Admiral

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USA
531 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2011 : 11:06:51

Going from Lake Erie to warm gulf coast waters will require a different bottom paint. Also it's a good idea to flush the motor with fresh water after each outing. Expect more corrosion and rust, requiring a little more maintenance, good idea to give the boat a fresh water rinse after each sail.

That's a beautiful sailing area, lots to see especially south towards Ft Myers.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2011 : 11:39:57

Don't leave the dock without a chart or chartplotter, and check it frequently. There is a lot of skinny water there. A depthsounder is also a big help. It's one of my favorite cruising grounds. Beautiful!

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2011 : 13:55:44

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Steve Milby
 Don't leave the dock without a chart or chartplotter, and check it frequently. There is a lot of skinny water there. A depthsounder is also a big help. It's one of my favorite cruising grounds. Beautiful!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Learn about tides, they make skinny water skinnier.

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At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2011 : 15:05:34

When you get back after a sail, wash the boat...get the salt off of it.

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zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2011 : 19:44:26

1) Install, screw, some sacrificial zinc to the underside of your centerboard steel mounting hardware and 2) tape and run an insulated wire from the ballast tank closure fitting through the companion way to an overboard suspended zinc if you stay in an unknown and possibly "hot", marina for any length of time. The same goes for your up-haul mechanism

2) For bottom paint we use Interlux ablative CRC antifouling which we can assure you is good for both fresh and salt... but leaves a lot to be desired for staying on the hull.. (we have flake problems perhaps due to temperatures fluctuations and longer periods on the dry)

3) During our year-long living aboard our C250 WB round-the-continent trip we made Port Hudson, Florida sort of our home port for over 2 months. It was pleasant, central to a lot of things. The marina had internet, electricity and showers. It was economical and somewhat off the beaten path. Skinny waters are everywhere. Having a depth sounder and chart access is a must... we loved it and have great memories

Edited by - zeil on 04/03/2011 20:05:29

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2011 : 08:29:41

Establishing a method of conveniently flushing your outboard after each use will help in avoiding a clogged cooling system.

A check of your trailer for any non-galvanized metal would also be in order. Salt water is extremely tough on trailer components.

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2011 : 10:26:54

There are many marinas to chose from in Tampa/St Pete. And because of the economy, there are many slips available. Where in the area do you reside in the winter?

Tampa Bay itself is about 10'-15' deep in most places and once away from shore you do not have to worry about running aground. The mouth of the bay "Egmont Key" area has some shallow areas, so you need to keep a watch the depth sounder.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2011 : 14:01:30

I haven't been there in years, but St. Petersburg Municipal Marina was nice, and well located in the heart of the Bay. It's probably pricey, but might be affordable seasonally.

http://www.stpete.org/marina/

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jnhiggins
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 04/05/2011 : 10:09:24

Thanks to everyone for the help. We love the St. Pete Municipal Marina and that is my first choice, although there's a long waiting list. Shallow draft should help us get a spot, though!

Jim Higgins

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.